Vaguely resembling a cross-over between the MAD (Marauder) and CAT (Catapult) series, the Timber Wolf was tagged with the Inner Sphere reporting name Mad Cat on first contact. (The targeting computer on Phelan Kell's Wolfhound switched between MAD and CAT when trying to identify it; Precentor MartialAnastasius Focht later officially designated it "Mad Cat".[3][6][7]

The Timber Wolf is vastly more powerful than either the Marauder or the Catapult. It uses its speed and firepower to engage an enemy at the range of its choosing. When first encountered by Inner Sphere forces the idea that a heavy 'Mech could move so swiftly while being as heavily armed and armored as the Timber Wolf was inconceivable. With its twelve tons of Ferro-Fibrous armor and arsenal that rivaled that of most assault 'Mechs of the era, it was completely alien to Inner Sphere military planners, commanders, and even the Precentor Martial of ComStar. Its technological secrets have since been reverse-engineered by the Inner Sphere.[3][6][7]

First introduced in 2945, the Timber Wolf was designed by Clan Wolf as a second generation OmniMech along with the Gargoyle and the Naga to replace the aging Woodsman. While the Gargoyle may have been a very capable, fast assault OmniMech, and the Naga may have been an excellent fire-support OmniMech, Clan Wolf (and indeed every other Clan) instantly realized the value of the Timber Wolf; thus, production rights to the Timber Wolf were jealously (and successfully) defended. Only through trade, gifts and battlefield salvage has the Timber Wolf entered the armies of other Clans. Until the invasion of the Inner Sphere, production of the Timber Wolf has been limited to a single facility on Strana Mechty.[3][6][7]

The default configuration of the Timber Wolf features a well blended mix of energy and missile weaponry; primarily extended-range lasers and long range missile racks that give the Timber Wolf considerable firepower at medium and long range. A pair of LRM-20 racks supplemented by two Extended Range Large Lasers make up the bulk of the Timber Wolf's firepower. The Timber Wolf also has an array of lighter, shorter ranged weaponry for use once the 'Mech draws closer to its prey: two ER Medium Lasers and a Medium Pulse Laser. Finally, it has two Machine Guns for point defense against infantry. Even on the modern battlefield the primary configuration of the Timber Wolf is a force to be reckoned with.[3][6][7]

Configured specifically for long range, direct fire combat, the A configuration of the Timber Wolf is armed with a pair of ER PPCs. These give the Timber Wolf A the capability of stripping nearly two tons of armor off of an enemy 'Mech at extreme ranges. For close combat, the A configuration has three Medium Pulse Lasers, an ER Small Laser, and a Streak SRM-6 to find any weak points in an enemy's armor. BV (1.0) = 2,470[4], BV (2.0) = 2,854[3][8]

Alt. Config. B

Armed to engage an enemy at either short or long ranges, the B configuration is an attempt to use the Timber Wolf in a workhorse role. For long range combat, a Gauss Rifle and an LRM-10 launcher gives the Timber Wolf B a powerful long range punch. For short to medium range engagements, a Large Pulse Laser is carried. Finally, for short ranges, a Small Pulse Laser and SRM-4 launcher are carried. Additionally, both of the missile launchers are linked to an Artemis IV Fire Control System to allow for greater missile accuracy. BV (1.0) = 2,012[4], BV (2.0) = 2,224[3][9]

Alt. Config. C

A long range configuration of the Timber Wolf, the C configuration carries an assortment of long range weapons. For direct fire capabilities, the Timber Wolf C mounts two ER Large Lasers and an Ultra Autocannon/5. For indirect fire support capability, its two LRM-15 launchers provide an ample quantity of firepower. Finally, for close range protection, the C carries an ER Medium Laser and an Anti-Missile System. BV (1.0) = 2,164[4], BV (2.0) = 2,500[3][10]

Alt. Config. D

This configuration mounts a pair of ER PPCs as its primary weapons. These are supported by four Streak SRM-6 launchers with two in the left torso and two in the right torso. One Streak SRM-6 on both torsos is rear mounted. A single ER Small Laser rounds out the Timber Wolf D's arsenal. BV (1.0) = 2,351[4], BV (2.0) = 2,682[3][11]

Alt. Config. E

Configured to use the added flexibility of the new Advanced Tactical Missile system, the E configuration mounts two ER Large Lasers as its primary direct fire weapons. The E Configuration also carries two ATM 9 launchers which can fire ammunition that is tailored to the ranges which it is engaging the enemy at. Finally, it carries a Light TAG designator for calling in Arrow IV artillery fire. BV (1.0) = 2,194[4][12], BV (2.0) = 2,444[3][13]

A configuration that is capable of engaging an enemy with devastating effect at any range, the H configuration carries a pair of LRM-20 launchers linked to an Artemis IV Fire Control System for long range firepower. For close combat, two Heavy Large Lasers are carried, each of which can strip a full ton of armor from an enemy 'Mech at short ranges. Finally, seemingly added almost as an afterthought, an ER Small Laser completes the H's weaponry loadout. BV (1.0) = 2,095[4][15], BV (2.0) = 2,627[3][16]

Alt. Config. S

A highly maneuverable urban combat configuration of the Timber Wolf, the S mounts five jump jets, allowing it to jump up to one hundred and fifty meters. To offset the inaccuracy from using jump jets, the S configuration is armed with a Large Pulse Laser backed up by two Medium Pulse Lasers. The S configuration also carries four SRM-6 launchers and two Machine Guns, making it a deadly close combat fighter. BV (1.0) = 2,229[4][17], BV (2.0) = 2,462[3][18]

Alt. Config. U

Similar to the primary configuration's armament, this version is used in underwater combat. In addition to a BattleMech HarJel System that protects the torsos from hull breaches, the Timber Wolf U also carries four UMUs that allow it to cruise through the water at 43km/h. The weapons are restricted to a pair of Artemis IV-enhanced LRT-15s on each shoulder, while each arm carries an ER Large Laser and ER Micro Laser. BV (2.0) = 2,627[19]

Alt. Config. Z

Used by The Society's MechWarriors, this version of the Timber Wolf carries twin iATM 9 missile launchers with four tons of ammunition. Each arm carries an ER Large Laser and an ER Medium Pulse Laser. To maximize its battlefield utility it also carries a Nova CEWS in the center torso.[20]

A non-standard alternate configuration of the Timber Wolf, this configuration was famously used by Star ColonelAidan Pryde. The primary long range weapons are a pair of ER Large Lasers which are backed up by a pair of LRM-20s for long range combat. For close combat, two ER Medium Lasers are carried as well as an ER Small Laser. The Pryde Configuration also mounts four jump jets making it highly maneuverable. BV (1.0) = 2,624 BV (2.0) = 2,900[21]

Woodsman - The Timber Wolf was one of three designs intended to replace the Woodsman. The Woodsman is an early OmniMech (either first or early second generation). The other OmniMechs intended to replace the Woodsman, the Gargoyle and the Naga, are closer in appearance to the original design.[27][28][29][30]

Gargoyle - The Gargoyle was designed as another upgrade over the Woodsman; however, the Gargoyle mounts less armor and has less pod space than the Timber Wolf.[27][28]

Naga - The distantly related Naga fire-support OmniMech was another variation of the Woodsman. The Naga extends the torso laterally to accommodate the placement of Arrow IV artillery systems.[28]

Linebacker - The Linebacker was designed as an eventual replacement to the Timber Wolf. The Linebacker boasts a single improvement over the venerable Timber Wolf, a higher walking and running speed, allowing the Linebacker to keep pace with lighter, faster OmniMechs. Otherwise, the Linebacker mounts less armor and ten tons less pod space.[31]

Mad Cat Mk II - Designed by Clan Diamond Shark for trade and profits, the Mad Cat Mk II is a 90-ton assault BattleMech, with a hull based strongly on that of the Timber Wolf. The Mad Cat Mk II has been dealt to other home clans and Inner Sphere armies, hence the choice of the Inner Sphere designation, "Mad Cat".[32][33]

Mad Cat III - Following the success of the Mad Cat Mk II , the 55-ton Mad Cat III was an attempt by the Diamond Sharks to trade on the reputation original design in the medium weight class.

Savage Wolf (Mad Cat Mk IV) - The third Clan Sea Fox BattleMech evoking the weapons loadout and visage of the Timber Wolf, the 75-ton Savage Wolf is very similar to the original, emulating the "D" configuration.

Rakshasa - Designed by the NAIS for the Federated Commonwealth, the Rakshasa chassis and weapons were designed to "emulate" the primary configuration of the Timber Wolf. The lack of Clan weapons and construction materials, however, prevent an exact duplication of the original's abilities. [34][35]

The Timber Wolf/Mad Cat as originally depicted in Technical Readout: 3050 differed slightly from that present in later editions such as Technical Readout: 3050 Revised; the differences are due to changes in the official rules on constructing BattleMechs. Under the original rules, elements of 'Mech construction such as the engine and internal structure could be rounded off to the quarter-ton; this was subsequently changed, with rounding limited to half-ton increments. The original Timber Wolf/Mad Cat mounted a 375 XL engine weighing 19.25 tons and had an Endo Steel internal structure weighing 3.75 tons. When the rule systems were revised, the weight of each component increased to 19.5 and 4 tons each respectively; to compensate for the increase in weight the available Pod Space was reduced to 27.5 tons. This necessitated the following changes to the depicted configurations:[36][37]

-Prime: A single ER Small Laser mounted in the left torso of the original Prime configuration was removed;

-A: The number of Double Heat Sinks mounted in the left arm was reduced from 3 to 2, although the number in the right arm remained unchanged;

-B: A single ER Small Laser mounted in the center torso was removed;

-C: A single ER Small Laser mounted in the center torso was removed;

-D: The amount of SRM ammunition carried in the left torso was reduced from two tons to one ton, and a single ER Small Laser was added to the center torso.